Astrobiologist
Studies the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the universe. Combines astronomy, biology, geology and chemistry to understand how life emerges and survives in extreme environments, informing the search for extraterrestrial life.
- AI exposure
- 36 of 100, low exposure
- Hiring trend
- Rising
- Hiring rate
- 20%
The role
What the work is, what it pays, and what it costs you.
At a glance
- Remote friendly
- Yes
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Time to senior
- 10 years
- Adaptation level
- Moderate
A day in the role
Analyses spectral data from an exoplanet atmosphere, studies microbial survival in Lake Magadi extreme conditions, models potential biosignatures, and writes a paper on life detection criteria.
What it pays
Kenyan market, per month- Entry
- KES 120,000-180,000
- Mid
- KES 250,000-420,000
- Senior
- KES 500,000-900,000
Exposure
How much of this a machine can already do, and how that was worked out.
Where this rating sits
1,516 rated careersRated above 38% of the 1,516 careers in the catalogue, which averages 43. Inside science the mean is 45, across 71 careers.
What the rating is made of
Share of recorded tasks- Machine does it
- 5%Software can already complete this work end to end.
- Machine assists
- 30%A person still decides, but the drafting is done for them.
- Person does it
- 65%Judgement, relationships and accountability that do not transfer.
Named task by task
Already automated
- Analysing telescope spectral data
- Modelling planetary atmospheres
- Detecting biosignature patterns
- Generating extremophile environment simulations
Still human
- Designing astrobiology research projects
- Studying extremophiles in field sites
- Interpreting planetary mission data
- Collaborating across disciplines
- Writing research publications
Getting in
The routes into the role and what each one asks for.
What to study
8 courses- Diploma in Dairy TechnologyKsh 64,120a year
- Craft Certificate in Food Processing and Preservation TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical ChemistryKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Applied BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Food Science and TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Petroleum and GeoscienceKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Science Laboratory TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
How people get in
Astronomy or biology degree
4-6 yearsHigh cost
BSc from UoN or KU
Astrobiology postgrad
4-7 yearsHigh cost
MSc or PhD with astrobiology focus
Who hires
- TRCN Kenya
- University of Nairobi
- SKA Kenya
- ESA Africa
- Sanergy Mars Lab
Common misconceptions
Astrobiologists search for aliens
They study the conditions for life, extremophiles on Earth and biosignatures in planetary data — the search for life is science, not science fiction.
Its not real science
Astrobiology integrates astronomy, biology, geology and chemistry with rigorous research methods.
What happens next
How the role changes from here, and where it leads.
Supply and demand
- Demand
- 20
- Supply pressure
- 2
- Balance
- High demand
What to learn
- Planetary data analysis
- Extremophile research
- Biosignature detection
Related careers
Kenyan market notes
Kenya hosts the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Africa project, creating astrobiology-adjacent opportunities. Lake Magadi and other extreme environments in Kenya serve as analogues for extraterrestrial conditions. Very niche but growing.
Further reading
This role is rated 36 out of 100 today. Save it and the app keeps that number, then tells you by how much it has moved when the record is next reviewed.